Varsity Football’s Battle of the Blue Devils

The Sault High Varsity Football team’s season came to an end Friday night, where they hosted undefeated Gaylord in a Big North Conference game. Gaylord was a powerhouse all season, averaging 31 points per game and only allowing an average of 14 points per game. The Sault High Blue Devils came out strong, keeping the Gaylord Blue Devils away from the end zone throughout the first quarter. In the second quarter, Gaylord scored the first points of the game with a 25 yard touchdown pass, followed by a good extra point kick, making the score Sault 0, and Gaylord 7. Gaylord managed to get close enough for a field goal before the end of the first half, bringing the score up to Sault 0, and Gaylord 10. 

Neither Blue Devils squad scored any points in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, Gaylord scored again on a 10 yard touchdown pass and extra point kick, making it 0-17. Ryver Ryckeghem had an impressive 81 yard touchdown kick return, putting the Sault on the board. Callen Campbell’s pass to Cam Labadie for two points made the score 8-17. Gaylord scored one more field goal before the game was over, making the final score Sault 8 and Gaylord 20. 

On offense, Campbell was 1 for 7 passes, for 3 yards, one two point conversion, and 2 interceptions. Rushing, Campbell had 6 carries for 25 yards, Ryckeghem had 9 carries for 18 yards, and Chris Kiekhaefer had two carries for 13 yards. 

The Sault’s defense that kept Gaylord to their third lowest scoring game of the season was led by Kaydin Lujan with 17 tackles. Cale Bell had 6 tackles, Brett Siesel had 5 tackles, Callen Campbell had 4 tackles and 1 quarterback sack, Joey Gravelle had 4 tackles, Sawyer Kuenzer had 4 tackles, Carson Kronemeyer had 4 tackles, Ryan TenEyck had 2 tackles, and 4 pass defenses, and Owen Horrigan had 1 fumble recovery. 

The Sault finished the season 5-4 overall, and 2-4 in the Big North Conference. They averaged 22 points per game and allowed an average of 12 points per game. The Sault had two shut outs early on in the season, and had three games where they only allowed one touchdown by the other team. 

The varsity coaching staff members include Head Coach Scott Menard, and assistants Gordi Campbell, Brad Boven, Matt Johnson, Brendin Cryderman, Jake Clark, and Jim Casey.

Photo credit: Cara DeNuccio

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